All-time classic: Viñales makes history with stunning COTA comeback

The Spaniard becomes the first rider to win a Grand Prix with three different manufacturers in a stunning race that will go down in the history books.

If you’re going to make history, it’s best to do it in style – and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) got the memo. After a chaotic start that saw the #12 punted down to P11, the race was absolutely on to claw back through the field and unleash his stunning pace, so that he did. Pass after pass after pass put him back in the postcode of the podium, and from there he threaded the needle to the front and got the hammer down to make history as the first to win with three manufacturers in the MotoGP™ era. And did we mention it was one of the greatest races of all time?

It was a race full of drama at the Circuit Of The Americas, with the most exciting sport in the world riding the 200mph rodeo, there were thrilling battles for the lead and Champions crashing out in a breathtaking Grand Prix that will go down in the history books for more than one reason.

Behind Batmav, and not by much, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) came home second to become the youngest rider to take back-to-back MotoGP™ podiums, and the rookie was box office – as ever. Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) completed the podium, making a late move on Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). So where was Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™)? The #93 crashed out after he’d just grabbed the lead back from Acosta, sliding out over the run off and forced to watch from the sidelines.

22 of the world’s best riders stormed to turn one, fighting for the same piece of tarmac, with Acosta leading after a historic launch off the line. However, there was drama at turn one for both Aprilia Racing machines with Aleix Espargaro and polesitter and Sprint winner Viñales having a disastrous start after a move from Martin up the inside caused a shuffle. The race was on…

Martin’s aggressive moves in the opening stage of the race saw him able to storm through to second at the end of the first lap. Martin then responded to leader Acosta, testing the rookie, but the test was passed. Meanwhile, behind it was a nail-biting start for Marc Marquez, who was inside the top five and touched with Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) on the exit of turn 11, both continuing unabated.

The action continued, causing the crowd to roar as Martin finally found a way through on Acosta. The rookie then dropped to fourth, but setting his sights on reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), who just lost a place to Marc Marquez.

All eyes were soon on the eight-time World Champion, who attempted to find a gap in Martin’s armour to steal the lead at the final corner, making contact with the 2023 runner-up. This jaw-dropping near miss dropped Marc Marquez down to fourth – forcing the Spaniard to go back into battle with Bagnaia.

Martin began to put the hammer down early and build an early lead of nine-tenths from Marquez and Acosta, who continued in second and third. However, the lead was short-lived as Marc Marquez made time on the Prima Pramac Racing rider and soon stole first place from Martin at turn 11, pushing the #89 wide in a show-stopping move. But just one lap later it all ended in disaster, at the very same corner, as Marc Marquez lost the front – crashing out of the Grand Prix, to the disappointment of the American fans.

The next rider to charge to the front was Viñales, showing resilience after dropping back to ninth at the end of the first lap. ‘BatMav’ carved his way through the field, demonstrating his determination to return to the front on the road to make history.  Viñales eventually battled to fifth before finding a way through on Martin before going head-to-head with Acosta in an unbelievable duel for the victory. The #12 made a move stick with eight laps remaining, and the rest was history – stretching a one-second lead.

Acosta gave it everything, but it would not be enough as Viñales crossed the chequered flag, which was waved by Sonic the Hedgehog at the Americas GP. Acosta was a mere 1.728 behind – becoming the youngest rider to take two consecutive podiums. Joining them on the podium was the ‘Beast’ with Bastianini getting the better of Martin, who missed out on a podium finish by less than two seconds. Bagnaia rounded out the top five places – losing time late in the race but scoring solid points in Austin.

Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) came across the line to take sixth position, finishing ahead of the second Aprilia Racing machine of Aleix Espargaro. Marco Bezzecchi took eighth place with both Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati machines scoring points. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) ended a great recovery ride in ninth after qualifying in 17^th. The South African finished the Grand Prix ahead of Raul Fernandez, who rounded out the top 10 at Trackhouse Racing’s home round.

The MotoGP™ paddock now heads back to Europe at the historic Circuit de Jerez – Angel Nieto, a battleground where many races have been decided at the final corner, including Valentino Rossi and Sete Gibernau in 2005 and Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo in 2013. So, make sure you don’t miss the next chapter, and keep up to date with all the action on motogp.com.

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